On September 1, 2024, ASEZ WAO organized a community cleanup at White Playground on 106th Street as part of the Green Earth initiative. 70 ASEZ WAO members worked together to clean this important neighborhood park and promote sustainable development within the community.
White Playground: A Historic Community Space
White Playground, a historic and much-loved spot in East Harlem, is as a popular place for local children and families. Built in the early 20th century, it has been a place where generations have gathered to play, relax, and connect. Recently, the park has seen increased use and is central to the daily lives of many families in the area. The clean-up efforts were especially meaningful because of the playground’s significance to the community. As the CEO of the East Harlem Tutorial Program (EHTP), Marina Cofield, noted, “We’re cleaning up a community playground; White Playground is a place where kids throughout East Harlem come to connect – to play, to release some of that energy that they have and have fun. And for them to be able to come to a place that’s clean and safe for them means a lot to them, and to their families.”
Building Stronger Connections
The staff and leadership of EHTP and the East Harlem Scholars Academy (EHSA) participated in the clean-up efforts. This displayed the strong bond between local educational organizations and ASEZ WAO in serving the community. By working together, they helped make the playground cleaner and safer. They also demonstrated the power of collaboration in making improvements to the spaces that matter most.
ASEZ WAO members and volunteers from EHTP and EHSA worked tirelessly to pick up litter, clear debris. Thanks to their dedication, the space is now much cleaner and more inviting. It is now a more welcoming environment for local residents to enjoy the recreational amenities White Playground offers.
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